Have your say on waste services

30-05-2014. Picture Michael Gillen. SFFH_141065 LARBERT. Ronald Crescent. Parent and Larbert Village PS complaining about impact of new bin collection cycle. There will be 60 wheelie bins, 30 recycling boxes and 30 food caddy out this morning. Complains that bins are taking up all the pavement space, forcing school kids onto the road.

Published:14:47Monday 04 April 2016

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Borderers are being asked to give their views on the region’s current waste services and help shape future provision.

The first phase of the consultation by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has been launched today (Monday 4 April), giving members of the public the chance to discuss how they presently use waste and recycling services and how it could be improved in the coming years.

The consultation is part of a Council review which is being driven by the Scottish Government’s targets for increased recycling, reduction in the money SBC has to spend and the need to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.

Last year over 30,000 tonnes of waste were sent to landfill in the Borders, the equivalent of over 3,000 refuse collection vehicles. It meant the Council had to spend £2.5million on landfill tax last year.

All feedback in the first phase of the consultation will be used to develop the Council’s new Waste Management Plan, with a final consultation phase expected to take place this summer.

Councillor David Paterson, SBC’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “Currently, 64 per cent of items thrown in the general waste bin could have been recycled.

“If these items were recycled, it would not only help create a better environment by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill, but also assist SBC to meet the Scottish Government’s recycling targets and save the Council money.